Mott present their best

Press, 22 July 1976, Page 15

Mott present their best

by JUDE FAHEY

Mott the Hoople "Greatest Hits” (CBS SBP 234 834): Few’ bands need or deserve a “best of” album like Mott, for their career was erratic and largely unrewarded. It spanned seven albums, including a lot of dross, so a condensed collection now' of their splendid best is invaluable.

Apart from David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes,” which established their name in 1972, most of those included are lan Hunter songs of 73 and 74. Little monsters like “All the Way from Memphis” and “Roll Away the Stone.”

Mott have a special place in my heart. Their songs had a language and style of their own, identifying with ordinary street kids and giving them a rare sense of belonging. Everybody knew what they were singing about and it was comfortable to gel with.

Mott’s under-rated position in rock was almost matched by the intensity of their fans. Now I like a group like that.

The album opens with one helluva good song,

“All the Way from Memphis.” Hunter’s chunky piano storms in over the roll. Roxy Music’s Andy Mackay pusnes out sax in there too, and we’re oft into a rollicking good time. “Honaloochie Boogie,” another Mott favourite, follows. and later the frantic, aggressive “Born Late 58,” written by bass playei Overend Watts. Bowie fans listen for your man’s handclaps in “All the Young Dudes.” I should add that he wrote it, produced it, played rhythm guitar and sang as well, but it’s very Mott al! the same. “Roll Aw< the Stone” opens side two with gusto and the announcement “Ladies and gentlemen, the Golden Age of Rock'n’Roll” leads us into an impressive line of horns and roll. The group is filled out here with two saxophones, a

cello and two extra singers for maximum drive. “Saturday Gigs,” more, than ever about the life of the ordinary Cockney kid.‘ is irresistable for those | who have lived it. Ah yes,: Sunday nights at the Roundhouse, “The Top of' the Pops” etc. The side of Mott I didn’t like is heard in “Hymn for the Dudes” and “The Bal- 1 lad of Mott.” These are quieter numbers, indulgent, where the others drive. I can’t see “Foxy Foxy” as a great, either, for that to me! drags, but I am more than i happy with the rest. Please note, it is time lan Hunter was recognised as a singer and writer. His Cockney singing is sensitive and articulate but has been written off in the past as a copy of Mr B. It is time he came out of the shadows, si -» he has also! written some fine songs! over the years. I doubt that many know; of the good material on hisi “lan Hunter" album, which he did with Mick Ronson after Mott broke up, and by all accounts his “All American Alien Boy,” just released overseas, is evenj better. h

“I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again” (EMI EMC-C| 124): There's not muchj music on this — just the Angus Prune Tune, a couple of daft songs and a lot of dramatic (very) ef-! fects. Oh I see, it’s a" comedy record.

Well it's very funny hen. Mad. It is a re-issue from the

8.8. C. radio series of the)' mid-sixties, featuring John • Cleese and Tim BrookeTaylor (Later of “Monty Python”), David Hatch, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie (the Goodies). They came together in a 1963

Cambridge revue and have never looked back. i

Even if you haven’t the I $4.99 for the album aski your record shop man to play you “Baby Talk.”! You'll laugh raucously orj giggle gurglingly as babies Cheese (woops. Cleese),] Hatch and Brooke-Taylor, i in prams outside the super-’ market, discuss their! ghastly mothers, meals and Christenings. “The Curse of the Flying Wombat." dominating side two, is one of those crazy “LS.I.R.T.A.” team stories of absolute nonsense that takes in most of the world and introduces characters like Tim Brown-Windsor and his aunty (isn’t he?), Lady Constance de Coverlet (“but call me bedspread”). Need I sav more? Well there is P.C. Bill Oddie’s skiffle song about his “Identikit Gal” and choruses of “hello hellow hello," a very odd auction and fantastic, amazing anc'j astounding British research] into various things. |

Bill Oddie has put on weight since he last saw Dr Cleese — for nappy rash — and it’s not still troubling him, thanks.

You must have the ideal by now. It is a good, cheap] laugh for all “Python.”’ Goodies and Goons fans.; and it will survive many; listenings. " I